Men Who Struggle With Their Masculinity

16 Men Reveal What It's Like To Struggle With Your Masculinity

What does it mean to be a man in 2016? In an ideal world, it just means that you identify as a man and you define your own masculinity however you see fit. But in real life, men still face external pressure to fit into a certain definition of masculinity — and maintaining a facade can be exhausting.

Because of the gender stereotypes associated with showing vulnerability and expressing emotions, men don't often talk about facing these challenges. Unfortunately, this silence doesn't allow for conversation and progress.

However, most men feel more comfortable discussing their insecurities behind a wall of anonymity. Enter the secret-sharing app Whisper — a space where users can talk about their deepest, darkest thoughts without inhibitions. Whisper shared some insights with us, which do confirm that struggling with masculinity is a stressful, painful experience.

If you've ever felt boxed in, you're not alone. From dealing with body image issues to being embarrassed about their views on love and dating, 16 men confessed their deepest thoughts on feeling like they are not living up to masculinity standards.

Read this and get inspired to break down the barriers preventing you from feeling fully comfortable in your own skin.